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Usdaw seeks discussions on how plans to ‘spin off’ the fashion chain will affect staff

Retail trade union Usdaw is seeking discussions with Associated British Foods (ABF) after it revealed plans to ‘spin off’ its Primark retail business. The company said it expects to separate Primark by the end of 2027. Primark runs 486 shops, employs more than 83,000 workers and Usdaw is the recognised trade union.

21 April 2026

0 min read

Bally Auluk – Usdaw national officer says: “We were aware that the board has been running a review of the structure of ABF and a demerger of Primark was an option. Now their intention has been confirmed, we are seeking urgent talks with Primark to understand what this possible separation will mean for our members. We urge the business to fully consult with Usdaw, and we will ensure that our members receive the support, advice and representation they need throughout this process.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion

Summary

Retail trade union Usdaw is seeking discussions with Associated British Foods (ABF) after it revealed plans to ‘spin off’ its Primark retail business. The company said it expects to separate Primark by the end of 2027. Primark runs 486 shops, employs more than 83,000 workers and Usdaw is the recognised trade union.